Are you driven by dopamines to defy death?
In a recent article from the SMH it has been reported that BASE jumpers are genetically hot-wired to risk life and limb in search of thrills. Are you one of these “hot-wired” thrill seekers?
Erik Monasterio, a New Zealand forensic psychiatrist, examined a database of all BASE jumpers who had died from all causes, kept by the sport’s close-knit community.
BASE jumping, which involves leaping from somewhere high, like a cliff or suspension bridge, with just a parachute, has caused 123 deaths since the sport began 30 years ago. He said genetics and biology played roles in determining who took up risky sports like BASE jumping.
People who enjoyed risk-taking sports tended to have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, thought to produce feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. The theory was that involvement in risk-taking activities helped to boost dopamine levels.
But Queenstown BASE jumper John Berry said he was not convinced by the findings.
“I’m not sure if we are doing it to boost our dopamine levels, or just because it’s exciting.”
Mr Berry, who has jumped more than 500 times, said the sport attracted “a real mixture” of people. There were about 15 BASE jumpers in New Zealand, he said.
… so whats been your more exicting dopamine induced adventure activity?